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At least 253 records · Page 14

Parameter estimation of powered-lift STOL aircraft characteristics including turbulence and ground effects

Longitudinal aerodynamic coefficients are estimated from data recorded during flight tests of a powered-lift STOL aircraft. A comparison is made between the coefficient values determined by the regression and quasilinearization identification techniques from records taken during elevator pulse maneuvers. The results show that for these tests the regression method provides less scatter in coefficient estimates and provides better correlation with the predicted values. Special techniques are developed which allow identification of the coefficients from records taken during landing maneuvers in which the aircraft encounters turbulence while flying in ground effect. Flight test results are presented to illustrate the effects of air turbulence and ground proximity on the estimated coefficient values.

Wingrove, R. C.↗

Integrated potential formulation of unsteady supersonic aerodynamics for interacting wings

A numerical integrated velocity potential method for the determination of unsteady aerodynamic forces on arbitrary interacting wings and tails in supersonic flow has been developed. Constant Mach number has been assumed throughout the flow field. Normalwash and sidewash integrals have been derived. The upwash integral remains to be derived. Singular integrals in the expressions for the velocity components have been evaluated in closed form. Lifting surfaces are represented by triangular elements defined by arbitrarily spaced characteristic lines and the true surface edges. The wake field is represented by rectangular strip elements. Velocity potential distributions and generalized aerodynamic coefficients have been compared.

Appa, K.↗

Aerodynamic results of wind tunnel tests on a 0.010-scale model (32-QTS) space shuttle integrated vehicle in the AEDC VKF-40-inch supersonic wind tunnel (IA61)

Plotted and tabulated aerodynamic coefficient data from a wind tunnel test of the integrated space shuttle vehicle are presented. The primary test objective was to determine proximity force and moment data for the orbiter/external tank and solid rocket booster (SRB) with and without separation rockets firing for both single and dual booster runs. Data were obtained at three points (t = 0, 1.25, and 2.0 seconds) on the nominal SRB separation trajectory.

Daileda, J. J.↗

Evaluation of two swept-infinite-wing potential/viscous-flow computer programs

Two computer programs capable of predicting the potential and viscous interacting flow around wings of infinite aspect ratio was evaluated. The programs are compared in terms of their capabilities, the approximations and the methods of solution used, and the input requirements. Six airfoils, each representative of a class of airfoils, are used as test airfoils. The results predicted by the programs are presented for each airfoil at sweep angles of 0, 20, and 40 degrees over a range of angles of attack. The results show that at zero sweep both programs predicted the aerodynamic coefficients well and generally in good agreement with measurements. At 20 and 40 degrees of sweep, as there are no experimental data available, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn about the accuracy of the predictions although the results are presented and discussed. The execution times are approximately the same for the two programs.

Arimilli, R. V.↗

Lateral aerodynamic parameters extracted from flight data for the F-8C airplane in maneuvering flight

Flight test data are used to extract the lateral aerodynamic parameters of the F-8C airplane at moderate to high angles of attack. The data were obtained during perturbations of the airplane from steady turns with trim normal accelerations from 1.5g to 3.0g. The angle-of-attack variation from trim was negligible. The aerodynamic coefficients extracted from flight data were compared with several other sets of coefficients, and the extracted coefficients resulted in characteristics for the Dutch roll mode (at the highest angles of attack) similar to those of a set of coefficients that have been the basis of several simulations of the F-8C.

Suit, W. T.↗

Documentation of GEMASS entry to touchdown simulation

The entry-to-touchdown space shuttle orbiter simulation capability incorporated into the GEMASS subprogram 33 (3-DOF) is documented. A digital autopilot interfaces between GEMASS and the guidance. Vehicle attitude is determined by use of the ability of GEMASS to integrate differential equations in addition to the equations of motion. Vehicle aerodynamic characteristics are obtained from an aerodynamic data tape and control surface deflections required to trim the vehicle, and trimmed aerodynamic coefficients are determined internally. Several indicators to allow evaluation of subsystem performance are included; as is the ability of the user to activate any of several error dispersion sources. The performance of the simulation compares well with more sophisticated simulations.

Waibel, R. H.↗

Unsteady supersonic aerodynamic theory for interfering surfaces by the method of potential gradient

A generalized solution of the hyperbolic wave equation was further developed to relate the velocity components at a field point to the potential gradient distribution in the dependence domain. Singular integrals were evaluated in closed form, with numerical integration methods for more complex but analytic functions. Idealization of the lifting surfaces by trapezoidal elements with two sides parallel to the streamlines is computationally efficient. Streamwise integrals were performed analytically, and spanwise integrals were neccessary only on element leading and trailing sides. All integrands vanish on the Mach cone. Pressure distribution on a double delta wing and generalized aerodynamic coefficients for three AGARD planforms were calculated and compared with available results.

Jones, W. P.↗

Similarity theory of the buoyantly interactive planetary boundary layer with entrainment

A similarity model is developed for the vertical profiles of turbulent flow variables in an entraining turbulent boundary layer of arbitrary buoyant stability. In the general formulation the vertical profiles, internal rotation of the velocity vector, discontinuities or jumps at a capping inversion and bulk aerodynamic coefficients of the boundary layer are given by solutions to a system of ordinary differential equations in the similarity variable. To close the system, a formulation for buoyantly interactive eddy diffusivity in the boundary layer is introduced which recovers Monin-Obukhov similarity near the surface and incorporates a hypothesis accounting for the observed variation of mixing length throughout the boundary layer. The model is tested in simplified versions which depend only on roughness, surface buoyancy, and Coriolis effects by comparison with planetary-boundary-layer wind- and temperature-profile observations, measurements of flat-plate boundary layers in a thermally stratified wind tunnel and observations of profiles of terms in the turbulent kinetic-energy budget of convective planetary boundary layers. On balance, the simplified model reproduced the trend of these various observations and experiments reasonably well, suggesting that the full similarity formulation be pursued further.

Hoffert, M. I.↗

Unsteady supersonic aerodynamic theory by the method of potential gradient

A generalized solution of the hyperbolic wave equation has been derived. The method used has been further developed to relate the velocity components at a field point to the potential gradient distribution in the dependence domain. Singular integrals have been evaluated in closed form, while numerical integration methods are suggested for treating more complex but analytic functions. Idealization of the lifting surfaces by trapezoidal elements with two sides parallel to the streamlines is computationally efficient because line integrations along the other two sides need only be considered. Furthermore, all the integrands vanish on the Mach cone and the need for determining the hyperbolic curves of intersection of the cone with the lifting surface is avoided. Generalized aerodynamic coefficients for three AGARD planforms have been calculated and compared with the available results.

Jones, W. P.↗

An optimal Space Shuttle ascent trajectory for the first orbital flight test

An optimal solution of the ascent trajectory of the Space Shuttle for the first orbital flight test is presented; the optimization is a minimum propellant, four-control problem in yaw angle, roll angle, pitch angle and vacuum thrust of each Space Shuttle main engine. Piecewise linear segments with juncture points treated as parameters are employed to model the controls. Equations of motion for a three-dimensional flight with pitch plane moment balance about an oblate are integrated numerically with a fourth-order Runge-Kutta method; two- and one-dimensional cubic spline function curve fits of aerodynamic coefficients are used during the first and second stages, respectively. The constraint minimization problem is solved with the Davidon-Fletcher-Powell function method.

Johnson, I. L., Jr.↗

The Space Shuttle Orbiter and aerodynamic testing

The concept of utilizing the Space Shuttle Orbiter as an aerodynamic flight research vehicle is discussed. The orbiter's planned flight frequency and its complex flight control system provide an unprecedented flight research potential. This paper defines the orbiter's flight environment and applicable baseline systems, their capabilities and limitations, as well as those instrument systems required to augment the baseline capability. These required systems, which are being developed under NASA's Orbiter Experiments Program (OEX) are the Aerodynamic Coefficient Identification Package (ACIP), Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS), and the Shuttle Upper Atmosphere Mass Spectrometer (SUMS). Finally, the need for and capability of launching payloads from the orbiter to extend the research potential beyond the orbiter configuration and/or environment is defined.

Siemers, P. M., III↗

Results of transonic tests in the NASA/MSFC 14-inch trisonic wind tunnel on a 0.004-scale model (74-OTS) space shuttle launch vehicle (FA25)

The primary objective of the test was to determine the aerodynamic increments due to the attach structure. Secondary objectives were to determine the effects of: (1) orbiter nose mold line changes; (2) wire bundle fairings on data measurements; and (3) flow angularity. The scale model was tested over the Mach range from 0.60 to 1.25 at angles of attack and sideslip from -8 to +8 deg. The total pressure was 22 psia for all runs. Six-component orbiter data were obtained from a balance in the orbiter which was sting supported. The external tank was attached to the solid rocket booster, each of which was sting supported. An alternate two sting/two balance arrangement was also tested with a single sting and balance in the external tank measuring combined ET/SRB aero data replacing the two stings in the SRB's. Two runs were also made at Mach number 4.96 with the two SRB's removed. The aerodynamic coefficients obtained are tabulated as a function of angle of attack or sideslip for each Mach number value.

Lundy, T. E.↗

An evaluation of four single element airfoil analytic methods

A comparison of four computer codes for the analysis of two-dimensional single element airfoil sections is presented for three classes of section geometries. Two of the computer codes utilize vortex singularities methods to obtain the potential flow solution. The other two codes solve the full inviscid potential flow equation using finite differencing techniques, allowing results to be obtained for transonic flow about an airfoil including weak shocks. Each program incorporates boundary layer routines for computing the boundary layer displacement thickness and boundary layer effects on aerodynamic coefficients. Computational results are given for a symmetrical section represented by an NACA 0012 profile, a conventional section illustrated by an NACA 65A413 profile, and a supercritical type section for general aviation applications typified by a NASA LS(1)-0413 section. The four codes are compared and contrasted in the areas of method of approach, range of applicability, agreement among each other and with experiment, individual advantages and disadvantages, computer run times and memory requirements, and operational idiosyncrasies.

Freuler, R. J.↗

An exploratory study of a finite difference method for calculating unsteady transonic potential flow

A method for calculating transonic flow over steady and oscillating airfoils was developed by Isogai. The full potential equation is solved with a semi-implicit, time-marching, finite difference technique. Steady flow solutions are obtained from time asymptotic solutions for a steady airfoil. Corresponding oscillatory solutions are obtained by initiating an oscillation and marching in time for several cycles until a converged periodic solution is achieved. The method is described in general terms and results for the case of an airfoil with an oscillating flap are presented for Mach numbers 0.500 and 0.875. Although satisfactory results are obtained for some reduced frequencies, it is found that the numerical technique generates spurious oscillations in the indicial response functions and in the variation of the aerodynamic coefficients with reduced frequency. These oscillations are examined with a dynamic data reduction method to evaluate their effects and trends with reduced frequency and Mach number. Further development of the numerical method is needed to eliminate these oscillations.

Bennett, R. M.↗

Space shuttle plume/simulation application: Results and math model supersonic data

The analysis of pressure and gage wind tunnel data from space shuttle wind tunnel test IA138 was performed to define the aerodynamic influence of the main propulsion system and solid rocket booster plumes on the total vehicles, elements, and components of the space shuttle vehicle during the supersonic portion of ascent flight. A math model of the plume induced aerodynamic characteristics was developed for a range of Mach numbers to match the forebody aerodynamic math model. The base aerodynamic characteristics are presented in terms of forces and moments versus attitude. Total vehicle base and forebody aerodynamic characteristics are presented in terms of aerodynamic coefficients for Mach numbers from 1.55 to 2.5.

Boyle, W.↗

Numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for laminar, transonic flows

An implicit finite difference solution of the Navier-Stokes equations yielded time histories of the transonic laminar flow development about a circular cylinder and NACA-0018 airfoil. Reynolds numbers ranged from those corresponding to purely laminar flow to those corresponding to significant turbulence in the boundary layer. Body thermal conditions of an adiabatic wall and a specified body temperature were considered. Versatility in treating arbitrary bodies was incorporated by using numerically generated, body-fitted coordinate transformations. Solution of the simultaneous difference equations for the dependent variables was obtained using an accelerated Gauss-Seidel iterative scheme. Computational results are presented in the form of velocity vector fields, Mach number contours, aerodynamic coefficients, heat transfer rates at the body surface, and body temperature distributions. Truncation analyses of first and second derivative difference approximations resulted in general criteria for numerically generated coordinates so that flow near a body is more accurately represented.

Turner, L., III↗

Space Shuttle - Now and later

The Space Shuttle System consisting of four major elements, the orbiter, three main engines, an expendable external tank, and solid rocket boosters is examined. Dimensions, thrust and payload capacity are observed, noting cost reduction through recovery and subsequent reuse of some components. Return of the solid rocket boosters (SRB's) via parachute and recovery from the ocean for refurbishment is covered. Objectives for the first mission scheduled for November 1979 include achieving a 150 nautical mile orbit and carrying a payload consisting of development flight instrumentation (DFI), the induced environment contamination monitor (IECM), and the aerodynamic coefficients identification package (ACIP). A section devoted to performance enhancement, discusses weight reduction on the orbiter, external tanks and thrust augmentation through the use of strap on solid motors (SOSM).

Malkin, M. S.↗